This weekend: 27th, 28th & 29th November

It seems impossible to write a post without mentioning the security alerts that all residents of this part of the world have been living with this past week. The decision we made in our home has been to continue to going to events we enjoy, unless otherwise advised by the police. Security has been visible around Antwerp central station but last weekend, we went to the market as usual on Saturday, and on Sunday to the 50th Birthday celebrations at FOMU which were lots of fun. Everyone has to make their own decisions about the risks they want to take, but we prefer to try to keep calm and enjoy our free time as much as we usually do. If Madge isn’t cancelling her gig on Saturday at Sportpaleis, then I don’t see why we shouldn’t be out and about as usual ;-). For updates on the situation, you can follow @crisiscenterBE on Twitter.

And so to the weekend ….

If you want to avoid the shopping hordes, Friday offers the perfect excuse because it is Buy Nothing Day . Alternatively, you could go along to Meir anyway, just to check out Antwerp’s own Diva, Nicola Mills who will (weather permitting) be getting into the festive spirit by carolling with a group of four singers between 2 and 4pm. You could head out later in the evening to join the Critical Mass Bike Ride at 6pm on Theaterplein.

There are a couple of events which are occurring over both days: a book market and a Kids’ Paradise promising toys, games, gadgets and clothes for sale. There are also some activities and workshops for kids. Both of these events are at the Zuiderpershuis on the Waalse Kaai. If you are feeling sporty, you can swim for free at Antwerp swimming pools all weekend.

Saturday

Kids who want to see Sinterklaas, can do so at The Century Shopping Centre on Keyserlei between 10 and 6pm, where they can also take part in a Sinterklaas quest activity. Other than that, it seems rather quiet this Saturday, so I will probably be at the market as usual!

Sunday

If you are someone who is looking forward to the opening of the winter bars, and the taste of Gluhwein, this Winter Terrace event will please you, if you can’t wait until the Christmas market in December.

If you have children aged 5+ to entertain, then you could take them to this production of Tom Thumb for just 4 euros a ticket or for the same price to a showing of this animated film at the Permeke library (for kids aged 3+).

This weekend’s fleamarket is being held in Schijnpoort and costs 2,50 to get in.

Finally, Sunday is the last day of Week van de Friet, so if you have a voucher from De Zondag you can pick up freebies (like an extra beer or snack) at participating chippies. In Antwerp, that’s Frituur Max on Groenplaats.